Pietersen wants Cook to resign

London - Exiled England star Kevin Pietersen has called for Alastair Cook to resign as captain of his country's one-day side after Saturday's thrashing against Sri Lanka.

Pietersen was dropped from the squad by the England and Wales Cricket board in February and the controversial batsman subsequently released an autobiography claiming the England dressing room had been beset by a bullying culture.

The 34-year-old's personal relationship with former team-mate Cook has also been strained and reportedly broke down during last year's disastrous Ashes tour.

In the wake of England's eight-wicket loss against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Saturday, former England skipper Pietersen took to Twitter to express his concern over Cook's captaincy, while demanding Alex Hales is elevated to an opening batsman's position.

He tweeted:"Dear Alastair, if you care about England's chances this winter, pls resign and just concentrate on Test cricket...#getHalesin"

Nottinghamshire player Hales was dropped as Cook's opening partner and replaced by Moeen Ali, who made only two runs on Saturday.

Cook managed only 22 runs before being bowled by Tillakaratne Dilshan.